How do I learn local building codes & requirements?

[Jacob Smith]

I am in the process of building my knowledge before I dive into my first flip, and there is one area that I feel lost in...Building codes/permit requirements!

For those of you who were new to flipping, how did you learn your local requirements?  Do you suggest calling and talking to the local building department?  City website? Contractors?

Was there anything that you wish you knew before you started pertaining to this topic?